Sylwia Nazzal is on the rise, but she’s not just another name in fashion. Since launching her namesake womenswear brand, Nazzal Studio, in 2022, the Palestinian designer has become known for her captivating and innovative pieces, which not only showcase her heritage but also challenge conventional fashion boundaries. As she puts it, “Fashion is inherently political… even buying from me screams, ‘Free Palestine.’” This merging of art and activism is what sets her work apart and why she’s fast becoming one of the industry’s most exciting new voices.
Her journey into fashion began during her university years, when she realized how naturally the creative process came to her. “I thought for a moment, ‘How have I never questioned choosing fashion? It is something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life,’” she recalls. But her work took on a deeper meaning after a heritage project in university allowed her to explore her identity and the ongoing Palestinian struggle more fully. This theme of resistance and cultural pride runs through everything she creates.
One of her most celebrated pieces—a dress made from over 10,000 Palestinian coins—perfectly encapsulates her vision. Crafted as part of her collection, “What Should Have Been Home,” this piece is much more than a garment. Weighing in at a staggering 72 kilograms, the dress is a stunning two-piece made in collaboration with Palestinian refugee women in Jordan, who hand-stitched each coin. “The whole process was about more than the final product,” she shares. “This dress is spiritual armor. It’s a statement of who we are and what we stand for.” The coins, traditionally used as adornments in Middle Eastern culture, are transformed here into a contemporary piece that speaks volumes about resilience and identity. The dress obviously went viral, for both its beauty and the profound message behind it.
This viral success and the broader impact of her collection culminated in the designer receiving the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award at the 2024 Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) ceremony in Marrakech. Known for its dedication to emerging designers from the MENA region, the FTA celebrated her work for its cultural relevance and artistry. During her acceptance speech, Nazzal used the platform to highlight the ongoing crisis in Gaza, reminding the audience of fashion’s potential to bring awareness to pressing issues. “I wanted to use that moment to speak out because fashion can be more than just garments on a runway,” she says. “It’s a way to connect, to communicate, and to call for change.”
Nazzal’s approach to fashion is unapologetically political, an aspect of her work that resonates deeply with her audience. “To dress how you feel like expressing yourself is a form of activism in a world that tells you that you should either be covered up or naked,” she explains. For her, fashion is a medium of storytelling, a way to proudly express cultural pride and defy expectations. She recalls moments when people were moved to tears upon seeing her work. “I have had a few people cry when I showed them my work,” she says, reflecting on how these responses fuel her mission. “These connections mean everything. They remind me why I keep pushing forward, even when things are tough.”
“What Should Have Been Home” was inspired by her solo journey to Palestine. She spent time with locals—storekeepers, bakers, elders—and found inspiration in the stories they shared. “I ended up learning about my home… from strangers who still message me today,” she says. These interactions became a vital part of her creative process, influencing the silhouettes, textures, and narratives of her collection. One of her favorite pieces is inspired by the silhouette of an elderly woman with a hunchback and a cane, an image she carries as a symbol of resilience and endurance.
When asked if she could collaborate with any artist, she names Jad Maq, an emerging Arab artist whose work she admires. “He is exceptional in how he conveys the Arab identity through spirituality in these large-scale sculptural paintings,” she says, noting how their shared values and artistic vision could lead to something extraordinary.
Reflecting on her journey, Nazzal is grateful for how far she’s come. “My younger self would believe where I am now but would be so proud of me,” she muses. Her path hasn’t been without challenges, but the overwhelming support for her work keeps her grounded and determined. Through Nazzal Studio, the Palestinian designer is redefining what fashion can be—and we’re so excited to see what she does next.
